Solid polyominoes are formed by gluing cubes together so that the two faces of adjacent cubes are wholly in contact. Tessellations of a three-dimensional space with solid pentominoes are discussed and illustrated. (MP)

An account is given of the use of the calculator and Cuisenaire rods in examining decimals that result from the division of whole numbers. (MP)

Worksheets contain instructions and patterns for use in constructing models of the platonic solids from cardboard and rubber bands. (SD)

Supports teachers in resolving problems of teaching long division. Discusses an approach focusing first on modeling the partition process with base-10 blocks and having students come to a conceptual understanding of the standard long division algorithm. Evaluation of the approach concluded that it helped students conquer the division concept. (ASK)

Presents a hands-on activity for children to build and take home a basic model of the human skeletal system. Describes how to make "noodle people" from ordinary materials including pasta, pipe cleaners, straws, and margarine tub lids. (NB)

Provides ways of using geostrips to make different kinds of quadrilaterals. Employs combinations of four different length geostrips and works on classifying all of the quadrilaterals using different combinations of the strips. Discusses impressions for the classroom and presents some examples of class activities using geostrips and dynamic…

Sixth- and seventh-grade students (n=68) with learning disabilities in mathematics received either concrete-to-representational-to-abstract (CRA) or traditional instruction in algebraic transformation equations. Students receiving the CRA instruction outperformed peers receiving traditional instruction on both post-instruction and follow-up tests…

Describes how a 2nd grade class learned to add and subtract effectively by packing and unpacking "Aunt Mary's candies." (KHR)

Identifies big ideas for the informal study of algebra-related topics in the middle grades including notation, variable, function, and properties of number. Suggests meaningful ways to accomplish them. (YDS)

Defines virtual manipulatives and stresses their advantages for classroom use. Presents examples on the Internet and discusses current and potential use of virtual manipulatives. (KHR)

Describes a series of activities using attribute blocks designed to help construct knowledge about and develop conceptual understanding of probability. (KHR)

Mathematical games designed for children from kindergarten to grade five using buttons as counters are described. Each game description includes a brief discussion of the number and mathematical concepts it teaches. (JD)

Suggests using the holes in the tear-strip edges of continuous-feed computer paper to convey the magnitude of one million. (MKR)

Points out that the notion of "concrete" is relative and argues the advantages of, and recommendations for, using computer manipulatives. (MKR)

Describes an activity designed to help students understand the concept of a variable and the process of gathering like terms or simplifying algebraic expressions using egg cartons and plastic eggs. (MKR)